12-Day Kenya Safari: Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo - Pita Safaris
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi – The Gateway to Kenyan Wonders
Your African saga commences upon your arrival in Nairobi, the pulsating heart of Kenya. A representative from Pita Safaris will be there to greet you warmly and facilitate your transfer to a comfortable hotel where the city's vibrant rhythms can lull you into excitement for the journey ahead.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Ibis Styles Westlands, Lower Mid-Range: Muthu Silver Springs Hotel, Mid-Range: Prideinn Azure Hotel Nairobi, Semi-Luxury: Panafric Hotel, Luxury: Hamingways Nairobi
Day 2: The Enigma of Masai Mara
Depart from the urbanity of Nairobi to the natural splendor of the Masai Mara National Reserve. As you cross over hills and through the Great Rift Valley, the landscape transforms before your eyes. Arrive at your lodge or camp in time for an afternoon safari drive, where the Mara's vastness and diversity welcome you with a potential pageantry of wildlife.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Sentrim Mara Camp, Lower Mid-Range: Zebra Plains Camp, Mid-Range: Mara Maisha Camp, Semi-Luxury: Sarova Mara Camp, Luxury: Elewana Sand River Camp
Day 3: Masai Mara – A Full Day in the Wild
Spend the day delving into the depths of the Masai Mara. With morning and afternoon game drives, your encounters with the wild will be prolific. Watch as the savannah comes alive with the great predators, and perhaps even witness the famed Mara River crossings, a spectacle of natural perseverance and survival.
Following an exciting day of game drives, your driver will drop you off safely to your Masai Mara accommodation for another restful night (see above). Enjoy a drink, unwind, eat, and sleep while in the Masai Mara wildness. How could it get any better?
Day 4: Lake Nakuru – The Birdwatchers' Haven
Journey to the alkaline Lake Nakuru, a sanctuary for birds and rhinos alike. Marvel at the flocks of flamingos tinting the lake's edge, and venture into the surrounding park to spot elusive leopards, the endangered Rothschild giraffes, and herds of buffalo wandering amidst the acacia trees.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lower Mid-Range: Flamingo Hill Camp, Mid-Range: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Semi-Luxury: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Luxury: The Cliff
Day 5: Lake Naivasha – Serenity and Reflection
Transition to the freshwater oasis of Lake Naivasha, a stark contrast to the previous day's adventures. Here, a boat ride offers a serene interlude, presenting an opportunity to observe hippos at close range and a variety of birds skimming the water's surface.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp, Lower Mid-Range: Muthu Naivasha Country Club, Mid-Range: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort & Spa, Semi-Luxury: Enashipai Resort & Spa, Luxury: Chui Lodge
Day 6: Amboseli National Park – The Elephant's Realm
Set forth to Amboseli National Park, where the towering Kilimanjaro looms over the horizon, presiding over the park's elephant herds. Your introduction to Amboseli includes a game drive that explores the wetlands and dusty plains, home to a variety of wildlife set against the mountain's grandeur.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Amboseli Sentrim Camp, Lower Mid-Range: Sopa Amboseli Lodge, Mid-Range: Kibo Safari Camp, Semi-Luxury: Serena Amboseli Safari Lodge, Luxury: Elewana Tortilis Camp
Day 7: Amboseli – In the Shadow of Kilimanjaro
Another day in Amboseli allows for an intensive exploration of its diverse habitats. From observing the elephants to seeking out the elusive cats, your guide's expertise will be invaluable. As the sun sets, the changing colors of Kilimanjaro provide a perfect backdrop for reflection and photography.
Following an exciting day of game drives, your driver will drop you off safely at your Amboseli accommodation for another restful night (see above). Enjoy a drink, unwind, eat, and sleep while in the Amboseli wildness. How could it get any better?
Day 8: Tsavo West – The Land of Lava and Lions
Embark on a journey to the rugged expanses of Tsavo West National Park. Discover the park's volcanic origins at sites like the Shetani Lava Flow and refresh at the oasis of Mzima Springs, a favorite haunt for crocodiles and hippos, providing a unique contrast to the arid surroundings.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Ngulia Safari Lodge, Lower Mid-Range: Ngulia Safari Lodge, Mid-Range: Kilanguni Serena Safari Lodge, Semi-Luxury: Severin Safari Camp, Luxury: Finch Hattons
Day 9: Tsavo West – A Wilderness Unveiled
Dedicate another day to exploring the hidden corners of Tsavo West. From the seclusion of the Rhino Sanctuary to the panoramic views from Poacher's Lookout, your safari drives will be ripe with the potential for breathtaking wildlife sightings and unforgettable landscapes.
Following an exciting day of game drives, your driver will drop you off safely at your Tsavo West accommodation for another restful night (see above). Enjoy a drink, unwind, eat, and sleep while in the Tsavo West wildness. How could it get any better?
Day 10: Tsavo East – The Red Earth Safari
Move eastward to the expansive landscapes of Tsavo East, where the red-dust-covered elephants roam freely. This park's vastness and relative wildness offer a safari experience that feels like stepping back in time, to an era when the land was untouched.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Voi Safari Lodge, Lower Mid-Range: Sentrim Tsavo, Mid-Range: Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Semi-Luxury: Satao Camp, Luxury: Galdessa Camp
Day 11: Tsavo East – The Big Five Quest
Maximize your final full day on safari in Tsavo East, where the search for the Big Five continues amidst the park's diverse habitats. From the palm-fringed Galana River to the Yatta Plateau, your game drives will be filled with anticipation, as each turn could reveal a new encounter with Africa's iconic species.
Following an exciting day of game drives, your driver will drop you off safely at your Tsavo East accommodation for another restful night (see above). Enjoy a drink, unwind, eat, and sleep while in the Tsavo East wildness. How could it get any better?
Day 12: Nairobi – A Fond Farewell
As the African sun rises on the last day of your safari, you'll bid farewell to the wilderness of Tsavo East. Pita Safaris will ensure your smooth return to Nairobi. The drive back is a time for contemplation, a moment to reminisce about the sights and sounds of the bush that have become a part of your story. Once in Nairobi, you'll be escorted to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight or to a hotel if you're extending your stay. This marks the end of your Pita Safaris journey, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories and a longing to return to the wilds of Kenya.
Inclusions:
- All accommodation as detailed in a double occupancy room, with private facilities.
- All meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prepared by expert chefs.
- Park fees and conservation charges for all national parks and reserves visited.
- Expert safari drivers/guides who will accompany you throughout your journey.
- Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles, offering optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Bottled water during game drives
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
- All government taxes and levies
Exclusions:
- International flights and visas.
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
- Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the main itinerary, such as the awe-inspiring hot-air balloon safaris over the Masai Mara at dawn or cultural visits to Maasai villages, which can be arranged for an additional fee.
- Any additional meals or services not explicitly listed in the 'Inclusions' section.
- Optional activities or experiences not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara at dawn with a bush breakfast experience.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, laundry, items of a personal nature.
- Tips and gratuities for safari guide and camp/lodge staff.
Important to Know:
- Children aged between 0-2 years are free of charge.
- Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing the same room with adults
- Children between 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their separate room from adults
- Children 13 years and above are recognized as adults
